Our mission

Civilization only remembers what someone chose to keep. Arctic World Archive exists to keep it – for generations to come.

We help preserve the memory of those who cannot preserve it themselves.

Who we serve

We work for those who hold irreplaceable memory – and for those who will inherit it:

Institutions without the means to protect their collections for the long term

Communities whose languages and oral traditions exist only in living memory

Organizations whose records document rights, truth and history at risk

Responsible
We protect and preserve what matters.
Neutral
Held by an independent foundation, kept accessible to all, beyond any single interest.
Protected
Self-owned, shielded from commercial takeover or any company's failure.
Transparent
Accountable in how it is run and how it uses what it is given.
Enduring
Built to outlive any of us – including AWA's own founders.

A self-owned Norwegian foundation, governed by the Norwegian Foundations Act
A board of directors, reporting to the Norwegian Foundation Authority
An advisory board guiding its direction
An ambassador network carrying the mission
An endowment being built to fund preservation projects and secure the eternal life of AWA

A small, passionate and dedicated team – and a network of guardians who believe some things must never be lost.

Founder

Co-Founder

Heritage Coordinator